Deformable Annular Sealing Ring for Pipe Partition Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing pipes passing through partitions fail to maintain leak-tightness when the pipe and partition move independently, especially during earthquakes, as they only allow for translation in one direction, compromising the seal and risking leaks.
Innovation Solution
A leaktight passage device featuring a fixing ring on the pipe, a support around the passage opening, and a deformable annular sealing ring that allows the pipe to move in all directions while maintaining contact and seal integrity, using partially annular portions that overlap by at least 60° to ensure continuous sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipe is fixed rigidly to a partition through a passage opening, then the sealing is initially secure, but the pipe cannot move independently when subjected to external forces such as earthquakes, compromising the seal and risking leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane element that can deform elastically to accommodate relative movements between the pipe and partition while maintaining the sealing function. This flexible membrane acts as a dynamic seal that adapts to displacement without compromising integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the membrane to deform and recover as the pipe moves relative to the partition. This dynamic capability enables the seal to maintain contact and prevent leaks even during earthquake-induced movements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pipe is allowed to move freely in all directions, then adaptability to movement is improved, but maintaining consistent sealing contact becomes difficult, risking leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane element can deform in multiple directions to accommodate pipe movement while maintaining sealing contact. Its elastic properties allow it to follow the pipe's movement trajectory and return to its original position, ensuring continuous seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane element acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and accommodates displacement between the pipe and partition before the seal is compromised. This pre-compliance design allows for movement without sudden loss of sealing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If lateral fixings are used to prevent pipe movement, then stability is improved, but additional loads are generated on the duct structure and expansion joints are required, increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides inherent stability through its elastic restoring force while accommodating movement, eliminating the need for complex lateral fixings and expansion joints. The membrane itself becomes the stabilizing element that maintains sealing under various conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sealing function from a rigid fixed system and creates an independent flexible sealing element that handles movement compensation, removing the need for additional fixing mechanisms and expansion joints.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the pipe to move and rotate freely in three dimensions without compromising the seal, ensuring leak-tightness and sound insulation, even during significant displacements, by maintaining contact surfaces between the seals.
Implementation Method 1
The elasticity of the seal allows the conduit to move relative to the partition in the three directions of space, while maintaining the tightness of the seal by always ensuring contact surfaces between the seals
Data Source
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AI summary
The passage (1) has a fixing ring fixed on a pipe (C), and a support (2) be fixed on a partition around a passage opening of the pipe. A deformable annular sealing joint (4) is placed between the fixing ring and the support. A holding ring (5) holds the joint against the support. The support includes a set of holding corners for holding the support on the partition. The holding ring includes semicircular portions (5a, 5b) that are assembled to form a ring. The fixing ring is configured to tighten the annular joint on the pipe.